Connacht coaches Eric Elwood and Michael Bradley
Connacht coach Michael Bradley has delayed naming his side for Saturday's Celtic League tie with Cardiff, but confirmed an inital 22-man squad earlier today.
New signings Colm Rigney and Keith Matthews are certain to play a part in the westerners' first competitive match of the season according to Bradley, who is being assisted in his coaching duties this season by the province's legendary fly-half Eric Elwood.
Rigney is returning to Connacht having spent two seasons with Premiership club Leeds Tykes while former Ireland under-21 centre Matthews, who is now 23, will be making his debut for the province.
Saturday's clash kick-offs at 2.10pm at the Sportsground in Galway.
CONNACHT Squad: Forwards: Ray Hogan, Stephen Knoop, Dan McFarland, Ronan Loughney, John Fogarty, Chris Venter, Andrew Farley (Capt), Christian Short, Michael Swift, Colm Rigney, Brendan O'Connor, John Muldoon, Matt Lacey.
Backs: Chris Keane, Conor O'Loughlin, David Slemen, Paul Warwick, Darren Yapp, Keith Matthews, Conor McPhillips, Matt Mostyn.